A young boy found wandering the streets of Auckland's North Shore at 4am has returned to the care of his parents.

The four-year-old boy was found on strolling Lake Rd, Takapuna in a nappy by a member of the public.

Shortly after 8.30am police were contacted by an aunt who had been caring for the boy.

The family had arrived in New Zealand around 2am from Samoa and had gone to spend the remainder of the night at a North Shore address. The boy was put down to bed but wandered off unnoticed.

A sleep-in after their late night arrival was blamed for why it took so long for the family to notify police. The boy knows no English which made locating his family difficult.

He was reunited with his parents at the CYF offices in Takapuna.

"We have spoken with the parents and no further involvement from Child, Youth and Family is required. We are satisfied this little boy is safe and well," said Sharon Thom, Child youth and Family Northern Regional Director.

When first found the boy was initially taken in at the North Shore Policing Centre before he was handed over to CYF.

"We (had) no idea where he came from or who he is," said Chief Inspector Andy Brill, earlier this morning.

Despite the ordeal the boy appeared to enjoy his adventure. He spent the morning "tearing up" the police station, and was only upset when he had to leave, a police spokesperson said.